Does it frustrate you when people say Barcelona play well and Madrid don't?

“It doesn't annoy me because everyone is entitled to their opinion in football. Some like possession, others a more defensive approach, high press or low block... There are several facets and everyone has an opinion about what they like. Madrid plays a different style of football with immense quality. I love how Madrid play, and Barcelona as well, that intensity. It's hard to compare because they're different styles and it depends on the attributes of the players you have. It's almost impossible to compare. You can say Barcelona play great football and Madrid's is terrible, and the other way around too. We've been playing very well for three years, though we might have seasons with more or less balance, and the system alters slightly as the players change. That's why it's impossible to keep a specific style for a number of years. Anyone who tries to have exactly the same identity always ends up faltering."

Alaba

“He's doing really well. He played for his country and loading him with games every two or three days might be a risk. He's got a better chance tomorrow because he didn't start against Leganés and the guys who didn't play will be in contention tomorrow."

Winning by narrow margins

“The games are hard-fought, even more so towards the end of the season. We're effective up top and perhaps a little less solid at the back than we were last year. We've had big injuries in defence and that's meant we've lost a little solidity."

“I speak to the players all the time to ensure they're motivated and focused on every game, but it's almost impossible. The fact the calendar is so draining makes it even more difficult. We've done a pretty good job and there are games in which we've shown lower concentration levels, but every player is different from a mental perspective."

Refereeing against Leganés

“Since Madrid issued the statement, we've had three games that have cost us several points. Leganés can complain about debatable situations, as can we. I have nothing more to add."

Enzo Alves

“He looked great. He didn't play for long but he made the difference when he came on. I don't know him too well but I remember when I took photos with Marcelo's son and Xabi Alonso's son at the final in 2014. That's a lovely memory and it'd be fantastic to take that same photo again now. He played really well, he's a clever forward with a great future. He's doing a great job at youth level and the club is very excited by him. If he gets to his dad's levels, we've hit the jackpot."